It was of very brief duration,
but, while it lasted resembled nothing in the world of which I had any
previous experience. It is needless to say that I became excessively
alarmed, having, in the first instance, attributed the noise to the
bursting of the balloon. I examined all my apparatus, however, with
great attention, and could discover nothing out of order. Spent a
great part of the day in meditating upon an occurrence so
extraordinary, but could find no means whatever of accounting for
it. Went to bed dissatisfied, and in a state of great anxiety and
agitation.
April 11th. Found a startling diminution in the apparent diameter of
the earth, and a considerable increase, now observable for the first
time, in that of the moon itself, which wanted only a few days of
being full. It now required long and excessive labor to condense
within the chamber sufficient atmospheric air for the sustenance of
life.
April 12th. A singular alteration took place in regard to the
direction of the balloon, and although fully anticipated, afforded
me the most unequivocal delight.
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